Cristen Helene Carlson

Cristen Helene (Herbold) Carlson of Harvard, Illinois, born on May 1, 1967, and originally of Mingo, Iowa, passed away from cancer on July 29, 2024.

Cristen was the youngest of eight children born to Gerald E. and M. Celeste (Gavin) Herbold. Cristen was raised on the family farm where she developed her lifelong love of animals. She graduated from the last class at Mingo High School in 1985. She attended the University of Northern Iowa to study music and later transferred to Iowa State University where she graduated with a degree from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and was a member of the Sigma Kappa sorority.

After graduation, she started her career in broadcast journalism and later earned her degree in Meteorology. While stationed in Sioux City, Iowa, she met and was united in marriage to Dr. James Carlson, DVM, on April 11, 1999. Together they built a successful veterinary practice in Springfield, Ohio, where they welcomed their two beautiful children, Avery Celeste and George Edward. The family later moved to Harvard, Illinois, where they worked together to successfully own and operate the Riverside Animal Clinic and Holistic Center in McHenry.

Cristen loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. She trained and showed dogs in her youth and later rescued countless animals. Cristen was devoted to her family and took great joy in watching Avery pursue her dreams in veterinary medicine and watching George play football at Bowling Green State University.

Those left to honor Cristen’s memory are her beloved husband and children, brothers and sisters, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, and many loving nieces and nephews. She is reunited in heaven with her parents, grandparents, her sister, Cathleen, and many other adored loved ones. There will be many grateful tails wagging at the end of the Rainbow Bridge to reunite with Cristen and bring her endless joy!

There will be a memorial gathering from 9:30 AM until the 11 AM Memorial Mass on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 15012 St. Patrick Road, Woodstock, IL 60098.

Memorials may be given to the family that will be donated to a charity that is to be determined. Please send the donations in the family’s name to 1112 Front St., McHenry, IL 60050.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400.